This leisurely ride started with a new pick-up (at Berry Pomeroy) and continued in a new direction towards Brixham through the quiet lanes near Stoke Gabriel. Mansands turned out to be on the other side of a huge hill and down an overgrown footpath, providing more practice for the mythical Venezuelan tour referred to in one of last month’s reports, but the beautiful sunny beach made it all worthwhile.

Return was via the café at Cockington, which suited Brett and Ruth who both live in Torquay.

A rather expensive but enjoyable ferry crossing from Starcross brought us to our chosen lunch spot on Exmouth Beach. From here the route was to be along the back lanes to Budleigh Salterton, but we hadn’t got much further than the top of the first hill when Andrew discovered that he had a broken rear spindle.

When repairs had been effected in the town we set off once more for the scenic delights of the Otter valley. The promise of an abundance of tea-rooms at Sidmouth, used to entice younger riders over the unfriendly hill between Otterton and the town, proved a little inaccurate inasmuch as every café seemed to be overflowing with tourists. We found one in the end, and some reasonably priced chocolate cakes prepared everyone for the gruelling climb to Salcombe Regis.

Arrival at the hostel was delayed by a final excursion through picturesque Branscombe which looked its best on this beautiful evening. Supper was followed by a walk along the spooky coastal path between Beer and Seaton.